Britain’s Best Food Markets

Looking to try some traditional British foodie treats on your next trip? A good old fashioned food market is the best way to get to grips with British grub. You’ll not only be helping out local farmers and businesses but you’ll be rewarded with the finest, freshest food in the country.

From traditional home baking to fruit and veg straight from the farm, it’s a great way to get to taste local speciality dishes too. And that’s not all – prices at food markets, especially for fresh produce, tends to be cheaper than supermarkets, so you’ll save money while you sample some of the tastiest British food.

So, without further ado, it’s time to get your shopping bag at the ready and try out some of the best food markets in the UK.

Borough Market, London

A must-see on any trip to London, Borough Market has been a bustling hub of the food trade since the 12th Century, and possibly earlier! One of the largest and oldest food markets in the capital, it’s located on Southwark Street and Borough High Street just south of Southwark Cathedral on the southern end of London Bridge. Traditionally a fruit and veg market, it’s now expanded to include bakers, patisseries, hot and cold food from all over the globe, craft beers, wine and more. If you’re looking for more markets to visit on your trip to London check out this handy guide to some of the best in the city over at the Choice Hotels blog.

Borough Market courtesy of Magnus D

Edinburgh Farmers’ Market, Edinburgh, Scotland

There no prettier market in the country, set against the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. Every Saturday on Castle Terrace under Edinburgh’s ancient fortress, Edinburgh Farmers’ Marketattracts more than 55 specialist producers, where you can sample delicious Scottish haggis, venison and game, seafood, handmade pies, porridge, and cakes and more.

Edinburgh Farmers’ Market courtesy of MrPauly D

Swansea Market, Wales

This is Wales’ most famous market, and the real standout here is the Welsh laverbread on sale. Made by boiling seaweed into a tangy paste, it’s a local delicacy that you have to try when you’re in town. The biggest indoor market in the country, it’s open from Monday to Saturday every week and you’ll find everything from fresh, locally grown fruit and veg, to Welsh cakes, meat and cockles from Penclawdd.

An essential stop on any tour of Belfast, this market is housed within a beautiful old Victorian building and combines a buzzing food market with a flower and garden market too – so great for those of you with green fingers! You can pick up fresh fish from Portavoige, with 23 fish stalls to choose from, as well as award-winning local cheeses, organic beef and veg, and foods from around the globe.